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Identification of the geographical characteristics of origin as proof of authenticity of marjoram (Origanum majorana)
Project
Project code: EIP-Agri-SA-2020-LPLTBVLIPV
Contract period: 01.01.2020
- 31.12.2022
Budget: 271,800 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: farming practice, biodiversity, food industry, product/activity, marketing, supply chain, climate change
"Thuringia marjoram" has established itself as a fixed quality term and brand and is in particular need of protection, as the production costs are far higher than those of the main competitor product from Egypt and Poland (factor 3.5). Any admixture of cheap goods would indeed bring an economic advantage, but - regardless of the level of the supply chain - leads to an unfair distortion of competition and is prohibited by law (§11 LFBG). So far, admixtures have only been recognized by the fact that more goods are sold in the trade than are produced in Germany. The aim of the project is to prove the authenticity of Thuringian marjoram by developing a method to reliably detect adulteration. The method to be developed is the basis for authenticity tests and the project serves as a pilot for authenticity proofs of other herbs. Initially, a sampling of the cultivation area in Saxony-Anhalt, Poland and Egypt will be carried out. The samples will be analyzed and checked for unique characteristics of origin. They will be systematically analyzed and tested for their properties as stable marker substances. After successful testing, the functional principle is checked and validated using self-made mixtures of the origins. The aim is to identify mixtures up to a degree of admixture of 10 % in a way that is legally binding.
Section overview
Subjects
- Horticulture
- Process engineering
